Reflections from the Connectional Table

I went somewhat begrudgingly to my first Connectional Table meeting in the Philippines last month. It’s not that I didn’t want to go, but the journey would take around 30 hours, and I wasn’t sure what to expect since I had never participated before. So, there was some anxiety and a bit of dread about making the trip. 

Luckily, as happens so often in my life, the experiences I expect the least from are often the ones that end up being the most meaningful. I am so grateful to have encountered the culture, people, and beauty of the Philippines—and to have spent time learning from and alongside others on the Connectional Table. 

GCSRW celebrates addition of "gender" and "ability" to The UMC Constitution

Glenview, Ill — The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) celebrates the historic decision of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to add “gender” and “ability” to the list of categories protected for inclusion in the Church, among other important constitutional changes.  

“Today, GCSRW celebrates that key amendments to Paragraph 4, Article IV have finally been ratified by a supermajority of delegates voting in conferences around the world. This is a huge win for The United Methodist Church,” says Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, general secretary of GCSRW. “Our GCSRW Board, team, and COSROW members everywhere celebrate that under no circumstance can gender or disability be a reason for someone to be, intentionally or unintentionally, kept outside of membership in The United Methodist Church.”